This year, the season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (February 14, 2018) and continues until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday (March 29, 2018) when the Paschal Triduum begins. The word “Lent” comes from an ancient Anglo-Saxon word (lencten), the springtime in which the days grow longer and the land begins to thaw and burst forth with new life. It is a season in which the faithful continue to journey with the catechumens toward the celebration of Christ’s Paschal Mystery through the traditional Christian practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving\charity\mercy. It is a type of 40-day retreat during which the catechumens, with the aid of the Rite of Election and Scrutinies, by spiritual reflection, and the witness of the parish community complete their preparation for the celebration of the sacraments of Christian initiation. Through prayer, fasting and acts of mercy, the faithful, are strengthened in the core habits of Christian living. By penance and reflection on God's Word the Holy Spirit prepares the faithful for the renewal of their baptismal promises and new life with the Risen Lord. These Lenten practices call us to conversion of heart and give us the opportunity to form healthier relationships and the habits of daily Christian living.